• Iconic signs; the iconic signs children use have some similarity with standard symbols. In their Mathematical Graphics children attach mathematical meanings to their marks, which may include wavy or zigzag writing-like lines; drawings; early emergent writing; letter- or numeral-like signs; crosses and tally-like marks.

         Iconic meaning: a resemblance between the appearance of a sign and its meaning. Iconic signs

        are the most numerous, bridging children's early explorations with marks and the standard abstract  

        symbols children come to use over time.